Elena Delle Donne traded to Mystics in blockbuster deal

After our initial report, the Washington Mystics have officially acquired former Chicago Sky star Elena Delle Donne for 2015 All-Star center Stefanie Dolson, rookie and last season’s seventh overall pick Kahleah Copper and the Mystics’ second overall selection in the 2017 draft, according to the New York Times.

This news follows an announcement Delle Donne formerly made in December, stating she was looking to move on from the Sky.

Delle Donne was set to become a restricted free agent this offseason. As a restricted free agent, Chicago needed only match the offer from another team in order to retain Delle Donne. Delle Donne threatened to sit out the entire 2017 season if Chicago did decide to retain her and not work out a deal with a team she was interested in.

Delle Donne was the WNBA’s MVP in 2015, and will now join head coach Mike Thibault’s perimeter-heavy offense in Washington.

Earlier today, the Mystics also announced they have traded Bria Hartley and Kia Vaughn to the New York Liberty in a three-team trade. Seattle Storm also acquired Carolyn Swords from the Liberty and swapped the Mystics second-round picks. Washington will also receive Seattle’s sixth overall pick in the 2017 draft.